Baghdad Vlog Correspondent Kidnapped

On Sunday morning, between 11am and 12pm, one of our newest correspondents disappeared from the al-Amal Neighborhood. He was there with his brother, gathering B-roll of the security in place around Baghdad's gas stations, as well as the long refueling lines that continue to insult the residents of one of the world's most oil-rich countries.

What's worse, he was apparently abducted in full sight of the Iraqi National Guard who'd approved his filming. Some democracy, eh? This sort of event only underscores the importance of a free press to democracy, contrary to the prevailing stench from right-wing American bloggers.

My best wishes go out to this individual and his family, along with a question for the Alive from Baghdad producers: What do you know about the history of your correspondent, and is it possible he wasn't kidnapped strictly for filming, but for his religion or any number of factors? The fact that he is a correspondent certainly is to his advantage, and international outcry will hopefully get him freed. Perhaps this incident will draw more attention to the waves of kidnapping amidst the civil war in Iraq.